Karen--
The classification portion of an LC call number is coded in 050
$a. This may include cutter numbers, which are often used to express
subjects. $b is for book numbers, which include dates. Map call
numbers are exceptional in that $a contains a class number, two
cutter numbers and a date.
Chan's Guide to the Library of Congress Classification 5th ed.,
pp. 86-87, is an authoritative source on coding.
Why not just keep it all, though?
Cheryl
>Folks, I know this is an odd question for this list, but I couldn't find
>any place more focused to ask it.
>
>I'm trying to get key information out of the MARC record for the
>Internet Archive's Open Library project. I think they should store the
>LC class number, since that can be used to create facets or to do a
>shelf browse kind of function. What I'm unsure about is whether to keep
>both the 050 $a and $b, or just the $a. I am assuming that the full
>class number is in the $a, but does LC classification ever define
>something that goes into $b, or is that all "cuttering, etc."?
>
>Since I don't have access to catalogers or the "Red Book," could someone
>here play Reference Librarian and help fine me an answer?
>
>Gratefully,
>
>kc
>--
>-----------------------------------
>Karen Coyle / Digital Library Consultant
>kcoyle@kcoyle.net http://www.kcoyle.net
>ph.: 510-540-7596 skype: kcoylenet
>fx.: 510-848-3913
>mo.: 510-435-8234
>------------------------------------
--
Cheryl Boettcher Tarsala, Ph.D.
"I teach cataloging."
Received on Tue Sep 25 2007 - 17:01:50 EDT